Sulfonamide additives for sulfur vulcanizable polymers

ABSTRACT

Sulfonamides such as N,N&#39;&#39;-bis (N-methyl-ptoluenesulfonamidothio)-piperazine are used to affect the vulcanization characteristics of sulfur vulcanizable polymers by increasing the state of vulcanization and/or improving scorch resistance and/or increasing the rate of vulcanization.

United States Patent Hopper et al.

SULFONAMIDE ADDITIVES FOR SULFUR VULCANIZABLE POLYMERS Inventors: Roger J. Hopper, Akron; John P.

Lawrence, Stow both of Ohio Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron Ohio Filed: May 23, 1974 Appl. No.1 472,755

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No 266009 June 26. 1972 Pat No, 3.856.762,

US. Cl. .1 260/795 B; 260/795 A; 260/7915 P; 260/780; 260/791; 260/792 Int. Cl. C08F 28/00 Field of Search... 260/795 A, 79.5 P, 79.5 B,

Aug. 5, 1975 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.6781117 7/1972 Shelton et al. 260/7915 B 3,703,500 11/1972 Nzist et a] 4 1 l 260/7915 B Primary Examiner-Ronald W. Griffin Attorney, Agent. or FirmFl W. Brunner; J. A1 Rozmajzl 7 Claims, N0 Drawings SULFONAMIDE ADDITIVES FUR SI'LFIR VULCANIZABLE POLYMERS This application is a di\ision of our appli ation Sen No. 266,009. filed June 26. 19 2. now US. Pat. No. 3.856.762.

This invention relates to compounds which generally function to increase the state (degree) of vulcanization when used during the sulfur vulcanization of rubbers by donating sulfur to the system. This invention also relates to compounds which provide a vulcanizable poly mer with balanced processing and vulcanization characteristics. ln addition, it relates to compounds which retard vulcanization during the processing of vulcanizable rubbery compositions. It also relates to compounds which function as activators, that is. secondary accelerators in sulfur type vulcanization systems. It also relates to processes for increasing the state of vulcani zation of sulfur vulcanizable rubbery compositions and either increasing scorch delay periods and/or increasing vulcanization rates. It also relates to the vulcanized products resulting therefrom.

The physical properties of a vulcanized composition are related to its state of vulcanization. Often. as the state of vulcanization is increased. certain physical properties are improved. Rubber additives such as sul fur donors can be used therefore to increase the state of vulcanization or to permit the use of lesser amounts of free sulfur.

Scorching during the processing of rubber is due to the premature or insipient vulcanization which it occur during any of the steps involved in the processing of the rubber prior to the final vulcanization step or during storage between said processing steps. Whereas a properly compounded unscorched rubber formalin tion can be die extruded or sheetcd smoothly from a calender without lumping. a scorched ma crl i often becomes wavy or lumpy after sheeting and ninut be discarded. It is therefore desirable that rubber .i-.l.liti\'cs be used which reduce scorching. Such v: "-ipoundv. are commonly referred to as retardcrs.

It is often desirable to increase tb bery compositions are vulcanizeu I m .ulcanizable rubbery compositions containing free s i are made to vulcanize more rapidly by the addition or n accclerator compound. Often the accelerator compound is re ferred to as a primary accelerator and is used in combi nation with another accelerator called an activator or secondary accelerator which further increases the vulcanization rate.

It is an object of this invention to provide sulfur donors which will increase the state of vulcanization of vulcanized rubbery polymers as well as compounds which are secondary accelerators (activators) and/or retardcrs (scorch inhibitors). Another object of the present invention is to provide processes which will improve the scorch resistance and rate of vulcanization of vulcanizablc rubbery polymers and also the state of vul canization f sulfur vulcani/ed rubbers.

The obict s of the present invention are accomplished In a sulfur vulcanizable combination ofa sulfur \ulcanirable rubber and at least one compound coir pitta at w hich rubtainmg the moiety said compound bcing selected from and urn

wherein A is an NN disubstituted radical selected from tltc group consisting of disubstituted radical which is a derivative wherein R and R' are selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having 1 to It) carbon atoms. cycloalkyl radicals having 5 to 20 carbon atoms. aralkyl radi cals having 7 to 20 carbon atoms. aryl radicals having (1 to 20 carbon atoms (cg. phenyl. p-tolyl, nitroaryl. halo-aryl and alkoxyaryl) and wherein R can also be the radical and wherein R and R can be joined through a CH group to constitute with the SO N group a heterocyclic ring radical. cg, a sultam ring. wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having I to 20 carbon atoms. cycloalkyl radicals having 5 to 20 carbon atoms. aralkyl radicals having 7 to It) carbon atoms. and aryl radicals having 6 to 20 carbon atoms (c.g., phcnyl. p-tolyl. nitroaryl. alkoxy aryl and haloaryl I, and wherein R and R can be joined through a member of the group consisting of (H o and 'S* to constitute with the attached nitrogen atom a hcterocyclic ring. and wherein R and R" arc selected from the group consisting of those radicals described for R and R lwith the exception that nci thcr l- 't nor R can be an aryl radical) and may join to form the hcterocyclic ring described for R and R" and in addition either or both R and R can be hydrogen or cyanoalkyl radicals having 3 to 21 carbon atoms. wherein R is selected from the group consisting of al kylene radicals having 1 to carbon atoms, cycloalkylene radicals having 6 to carbon atoms and arylene radicals having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and wherein X is an alkylene radical containing 2 to ll) carbon atoms or a cycloalkylene radical containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably R is methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, nbutyl, n-propyl, phenyl, ptolyl. p-chlorophenyl. dimethylamino, morpholino. piperidino. pmethoxyphenyl, p-nitrophenyl or cyclohexyl.

Preferably R is methyl. ethyl, Z-propyl. t-butyl, nbutyl, n-propyl, phenyl. p-tolyl, p-chlorophenyl, cyclohexyl, p-methoxyphenyl or p-nitrophenyl.

Preferably the radical is morpholino, 2,6-dimethylmorpholino, piperidino, diethylamino, diisopropylamino, 3- methylpiperidino, t-butyl amino, dicyclohexylamino, N-B-cyanoethylcyclohexylamino, N-B-cyanoethyH- butylamino, N-Bcyanoethyl-n-butylamino, N- ethylbenzylamino, dibenzylamino, N-cyanomethylcyclohexylamino, N-cyanomethyl-n-butylamino, bis-(B- cyanoethyl )amino, amino, dimethylamino. N- methylethylamino, pyrrolidino or tert-octylamino.

Preferably R is ethylene, 1,3-propylene l ,4-

cyclohexylene or p-phenylenc.

Preferably when A is an N,N' disubstituted radical which is a derivative of a heterocyclic diamine, the diamine is piperazine, imidazolidine. hexahydropyrimidine or homopiperazine, said amines (radicals) being unsubstituted or substituted on the ring carbons by methyl groups, the total number of methyl groups being less than three. It should be understood that the above radicals need not actually be derived from the above diamines but need only be the radicals which can be derived from said diamines. That is, the compounds are not limited to their method of preparation.

More preferably A is piperazinc, 2,5-dimethylpiperazine. imidazolidine, hexahydropyrimidine, homopiperazine. N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl- 1,3-propylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl-l ,6- hexamethylenediamine, N,N '-dimethyll ,4- cyclohcxylenediamine, 4,4'-ethylenedi (piperidine), 4,4'-trimethylenedi(piperidinc), 4,4'-tetramethylenedi(piperidine) or 4,4-hexamethylenedi(piperidine).

One preferred class of compounds used within the practice of the present invention are those containing a sultam ring formed by the joining of R and R. Preferably the sultam ring contains 3 to 10 carbon atoms. The ring carbon atoms preferably are 3 to 6 in number, most preferably 3. Preferred radicals are those which can be derived from propanesultam, butanesultam, benzylsultam and l,8-naphthosultam.

Compounds which act both as retarders and activators in butacliene/styrene elastomers (8BR) include compounds according to structural formula I where R is p-tolyl. p-chlorophenyl or dimethylamino, R is methyl or p-tolyl or R and R are joined to form a propanesultam ring and is morpholino, Zb-dimethylmorpholino, piperidino, dicyclohexylamino, N-B-cyanocthylcyclohexylamino or N-B-cyanoethyl-t-butylamino. The compounds of structural formula II where R. R and is piperidino, 2,6-dimethylmorpholino, diisopropylamino, dicyclohexylamino or 3- methylpiperidino. The compounds of structural formula III where R and R are as described above and A is the N,N disubstituted radical which is a derivative of 4A-trirnethylenedi(piperidineJ are also both activators and retarders in natural rubber. Compounds where R, R and are as described above and in addition where R is ptolyl,

is morpholino, N-B-cyanoethylcyclohexylamino or N-B-cyanoethyl-t-butylamino and A is a derivative of piperazine, are normally retarders in natural rubber. Also acting as retarders are any of the above, (and in addition, R may be ptolyl,

may be morpholino, N-B-cyanoethylcyclohexylamino or N-B-cyanoethyl-t-butylamino, and A is a derivative of piperazine) are normally retarders. Also acting as retarders in natural rubber are compounds where R, R, and

When used with a com cntional primary accelerator. the compounds of structural formulae (ll. (Ill and (Ill) provide a vulcanizable polymer with balanced processing and vulcanization characteristics. in many vulcanization systems they provide both improved scorch resistance and improved activation characteristics. In sys tents where they provide only improved scorch resis tance or improved activation characteristics. they do so without adversely affecting the scorch re stance or conversely the activation characteristics. lh s unique in that conventional retardcrs normally adversely affect vulcanization rates. much less improve the rate; nhilc conventional activators normally adversely affect scorch. much less improve scorch resistance. Whether these compounds act as both activators and retardcrs. or just as an activator. or just as a retarder. is not only dependent upon the primary accelerator being used but also upon the particular polymer being vulcanized as well as the particular sulfur donor compound of the present invention being used. The effect of accelerator systems. polymeric environment and different sulfur donor compounds is illustrated herein. It should be noted. however. that regardless of the accelerator system used or the particular polymer vulcanized. the compounds almost always act as sulfur donors. ln any case. the sulfonamides of the present invention will act at least as one of the following; a sulfur donor. an acti vator or a retarder.

The sulfonamides of the present invention can be prepared by reaction of an aminesuli'cnyl chloride with an alkali metal salt of an appropriate sull'onamidc. sultamide. or sultam in the presence of an organic acid acceptor such as pyridine or triethylamine. The aminesulfenyl chlorides. in turn. may be prepared using any of the available methods described in the literature. as for example. by chlorination of an N.l l'-- dithiobistaininc) lGer. Pat. No. ami os [1954)1. by reaction of a secondary amine v w th sulfur dichloride in the presence of an organic acio acceptor {(lcr, Pat. No. 1.131.222 (1962M. Generally a solution of the aminosulfenyl chloride in an inert solvent is added to a solution or suspension of the sultonamide. sulfamidc. or sultam (or its alkali metal salt]. also in an inert sol vent.

Alternatively. the delayed action activators oi the present invention can be prepared by reaction ola sulon-amide. sulfan|ide-. or sultanrN-sulfenyl chloride with an appropriate amine in the presence of an or ganic acid acceptor such as tricthylaniine. pyridine. or an excess of the amine which is entering into the reaction with the sullenyl chloride The sult'ona1nide-. sulfa mide-. and sultanrN-sulfcnyl chlorides. in turn. are readily prepared by any otthc methods found in the literature such as by chlorination oi an N.N"dithiobis(- sulfonamidel. (sulfamide) or (sultarn) lGc-r. Pat. No. 1,101,407 (196111]. or by reaction ol an alkali metal salt of a snlfonamide, sulfamidc. or sultani (or its acidic form in the presence of an organic acid acceptorl with sulfur dichloride lGer. Pat. No. l.l5b.-'lll3 1964]}. Generally. an amine is added to a solution of thc sul- Fonamide sullamido. or sultam l lsulfcnyl chloride in an inert solvent. The performance of the compounds oi the present invention as retai'ders. activators or in increasing the state of yulcaniaation is not dependent upon their method of preparation The sullonamidcs of the present invention can he used with any conventional compounding additive such hi I as carbon black. zinc oxide. antidegradants and stearic acid. They can be used in a sulfurless system with an ac tclcrator (a sulfur donor or otherwise). preferably a primary accelerator. or with a sulfur vulcanization agent in the presence of an accelerator. For the purposes of this invention. sulfur vulcanizing agent means clv'mtfill sulfur (free sulfur) or sulfur donating vulcani/ing agents, for example. an amine disulfide or a poly Hltllt', polysulfide. Preferably the sulfonamides are used nith both a sulfur vulcanization agent. preferably free sulhrr. and an accelerator. preferably a primary accelerator. The invention is applicable to vulcanization aecelcrators of various classes using conventional accelerator levels. Regardless of what accelerator is used, the sulfonamides will still normally act as sulfur donors. For example. rubber mixes containing the aromatic thitmolc accelerators which include N-cyclohexyblben ,iothiazolesulfenamide. 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, N- tertbutyl-lbenzothiazolesulfenamide. 2- ben/othiazolyl diethyldithiocarbamatc and 2 lmorpholinothiol-benzothiazolc can be used. Other thiazolc accelerators which may be used include l'aminodithiol-thiazoles and 2-(aminotrithio)-thiazoles such as Z (morpholinodithioi-bcnzothiazole. Amine salts of mercaptobenzothiazolc accelerators. for example. the t-butylamine salt of mercaptobenzothiazole. and like salts of morpholinc and lo-dimethylmorpholine can be used in the invention. 'I'hia/olc accelerators other than aromatic can be used. Stocks containing accelerators. for example. tetramethylthiuram disulfide. tetramethylthiuram monosultidc. aldehyde amine condensation products. thiocarbamylsultenamides, thioareas. xanthates. and guanidine derivatives are substantially improved using the process of the present invention.

The sull'onamides of the invention can be used in natum] and synthetic rubbers and mixtures thereof. Synthetic rubbers that can be improved by the process of this invention include homopolymers and copolymers of dienes. both conjugated and nonconjugated. e.g.. 1.3-(lienes such as l.3-butadiene and isoprene. Examples of such synthetic rubbers include neoprene (polychloroprenel. cis-l.4 polybutadiene. cisl.4 polyisoprone. butyl rubber. copolymers of 1.3-butacliene or isoprenc with monomers such as styrene. acrylonitrile and methyl ntethaerylate. Ethylene/propylene terpolyniers. for example ethylenefpropylene/dicyclopentadicne ter olymcrs also benefit from the practice of the present invention.

The sulfonamides can be added to the rubbers by any conventional technique such as milling or Banburying.

All of the working examples herein are intended to illustrate but not limit the scope of the present inverr lion. Unless indicated otherwise. all parts are parts by weightv The following examples. 1 to 7. illustrate the preparation of various sulfonaniides of the present invention. and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLE I prepare N( rnorpholinothio l-N-methyl-p- Itiluenesulfonamide. 4.72 grams (0.035 mole) of sulfu ryl chloride was added to a refluxing solution of l5.l grams (H.035 mole) N.N'-dimethyl-N.N'-dithiobis-lptolucnesullonamide) in 60 ml. of methylene chloride. After two hours. the solution was cooled in a dry iceacetone bath and 12.2 grams (0.14 mole) of morpholine was added dropwise at 25 to -30 C. The precipitated morpholine hydrochloride was filtered off, the

filtrate extracted with 100 m1. of water, dried MgSQ EXAMPLE 2 N-( piperidinothio )-N-methyl-p-toluenesulfonamide was prepared as described in Example 1 except that l l .9 grams of piperidine were used in place of morpholine. The yield of product after recrystallization from methanol was 1 1.6 grams (55.2%) with a melting point of 6567 C. Analysis of this product shows 9.29 percent nitrogen and 21.1 percent sulfur. Calculated percentages for C,;,H N. O S are 9.33 percent nitrogen and 21.3 percent sulfur.

EXAMPLE 3 1 ,4-Bis-( N-methyl-p-toluenesulfonamidothio)- piperazine was prepared as described in Example 1 except that a mixture of 3.0 grams of piperazine and 8.5 grams of triethylamine was added in place of morpholine. After recrystallization from dioxane, 7.5 grams (4 l 5%) of product was obtained with a melting point of 204205.5 C. Analysis shows 10.78 percent nitrogen and 24.5 percent sulfur. The calculated percentages for C ,,H N O S are 10.85 percent nitrogen and 24.8 percent sulfur.

EXAMPLE 4 To prepare N-methyl-N-(diisopropylaminothio)-ptoluenesulfonamide, 0.25 mole of chlorine gas was added over a one-half hour period to a solution of 66.0 grams (0.25 mole) N,N'-dithiobis(diisopropylamine) in 100 ml. of carbon tetrachloride -5 C. The resulting diisopropylaminesulfenyl chloride solution was then added during one-half hour to a sUSPEI'lSlOfl of 0.50 mole of the sodium salt of N-methyl-ptoluencsulfonamide in 500 ml. of toluene, maintaining the temperature at 010 C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour after addition of the sulfenyl chloride, then filtered. and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The resulting oily solid residue was slurried in hexane, filtered, and the solid recrystallized from methanol to afford 79.1 grams (50.1%) product with a melting point of 8588 C. Analysis of the product shows 8.82 percent nitrogen and 19.1 percent sulfur. Calculated percentages for C H N O S are 8.86 percent nitrogen and 20.2 percent sulfur.

EXAMPLE To prepare N-methyl-N-(3-methylpiperidinothio)-ptoluenesulfonamide. 0.15 mole of chlorine gas was added over a twenty minute period to a solution of 39.0 grams (0. 1 5 mole) of N,N'-dithiobis-( 3- methylpipcridine) in 250 ml. of toluene at ()5 C. The resulting 3-methylpiperidinesulfenyl chloride solution was then added during 45 minutes to a suspension of 0.30 mole of the sodium salt of N-methyl-ptoluenesulfonamide in 300 ml. of toluene. The reaction mixture was stirred for one hour after the addition of the sulfenyl chloride. Water (200 ml.) was added, the upper layer removed, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo giving a red oil. Upon dilution lvith ether and cooling in a dry ice acetone bath, the oil solidified, the solid filtered, and recrystallized from ether-petroleum ether. The yield of product was 48.3 grams (51.3%) with a melting point of 64-66 C. Analysis shows 8.76 percent nitrogen and 20.10 percent sulfur. The calculated percentages for C H N O S are 8.92 percent nitrogen and 20.38 percent sulfur.

EXAMPLE 6 To prepare N,N,N'-trimethyl-N-(morpholinothio)- sulfamide, 0.1 1 mole of chloride gas was added over a ten minute period to a mixture of 23.6 grams (0.10 mole) 4,4'-dithiobis-(morpholine) in ml. of toluene at 05 C. The resulting morpholinesulfenyl chloride solution was then added dropwise to a suspension of 0.20 mole of the sodium salt of N,N,N-trimethylsulfamide in 250 ml. of toluene. After addition of the sulfenyl chloride, the mixture was stirred 1 hour, poured into 200 ml. of water, the upper toluene layer separated, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting solid residue was recrystallized from methanol. The yield of product was 45.0 grams (88.3%) with a melting point of 57-60 C. Analysis showed 16.54 percent nitrogen and 24.96 percent sulfur. The calculated percentages for C H N O S are 16.47 percent nitrogen and 25.10 percent sulfur.

EXAMPLE 7 N-( morpholinothio)-propanesultam was prepared by adding 0.099 mole of morpholinesulfenyl chloride in 50 ml. of toluene, dropwise to a suspension of 0.099 mole of the sodium salt of propanesultam in ml. of toluene. The product was isolated by pouring the reaction mixture into 200 ml. of water, adding sufficient chloroform to dissolve the resultant solid, the organic layer separated, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting solid residue was recrystallized from 2-propanol benzene. The yield ofproduct was 18.5 grams (79.0%) with a melting point of 139l42 C. Analysis shows 1 1.77 percent nitrogen and 26.94 percent sulfur. The calculated percentages for C H N 0 S are 1 1.76 percent nitrogen and 26.89 percent sulfur.

The other compounds included within the practice of the present invention can be prepared by using the same or similar techniques as described in the preceding working examples. Synthetic routes to these compounds are not limited, however, to these particular reactions and procedures.

Tables 1, 11, Ill and 1V illustrate the use of various sulfonamides of the present invention with different rubber stocks. The compositions are intended only to be illustrative of the practice of the present invention and not limiting. Mooney Scorch tests were performed using the large rotor as described in ASTM D 1646-61. A recorder was employed to continuously plot viscosity versus time. The number of minutes (I A 5) required for the viscosity curve to rise five points above the minimum was taken as a measure of scorch inhibition. Larger values for (r A 5) indicate a greater resistance to scorch or premature vulcanization.

Data on vulcanizing characteristics were obtained with a Monsanto Oscillating Disc Rheometer, as described by Decker, Wise. and Guerry in Rubber World, page 68, December 1962. Pertinent data from this instrument are: t the minutes required for the Rheometer torque curve to rise four units above the minimum torque value, and t the minutes required for the torque curve to reach 90 percent of the difference between the maximum and minimum torque values.

The r value is considered to be the time required to reach the optimum vulcanized state. The difference, (r r,,) is indicative of the time necessary for actual vulcanization to take place after the scorch delay period has ended, i.e., is a relative measure of vulcanization rate. Compounds which increase 1 but do not greatly increase t.) are preferred since these impart processing safety, yet do not require greatly extended vulcanization times.

ARh is the difference between the maximum and minimum torque obtained on the rheometer curve. It is used as a measure of the degree (state) of vulcanization.

The following Examples 8 to 45 illustrate the use of the sulfur donors of the present invention in both natural rubber and SBR (butadiene/styrene elastomer). Stock A was used in Examples 8 to 27 while Stock B was used in Examples 28 to 45. Both stocks were run with no sulfonamide (control), 05 part and 1.0 part of The results obtained using Stock A are listed in Table 111 and the results using Stock B in Table IV. The rheometer data was obtained at a temperature of 275 F. in natural rubber and 302 F. in SBR. The Mooney Scorch data was determined at 250 F. in natural rubher and 270 F. in SBR.

The effect of the sulfonamides was measured by comparison with the control, i.e., the stock with no sulfonamide present. Ratios of the measurements for the sulfonamicle compounded stocks over the measurements for the control stock are listed in the tables. The c subscript indicates that the measurement was made on the control stock. Values of ARh/ARli which are over 1 .00 indicate that the sultonamide has increased the state of vulcanization. Values of (1,, l r which are less than 1.0. indicate an activating effect of the sulfonamide on the vulcanization rate. Values of rA,,/tA,-,,. which are over 1.0 indicate that the sulfonamide has increased the scorch delay time, i.e., increased scorch resistance.

Table 11 contains a list of the various sulfonamides evaluated;

Table 11 Sulfonamide A N-methy1-N-( morpholinothio )'p-t0lue nesulfon amide B N-methyl- N-( piperidinothio )-p-to1ue nesultonamide toluenesulfonamide D N methy1-N-(2,6-dimethylrnorpholinothiol-pdoluenesulfonamicle E N-methyl-N-( diisopropylaminothio )-ptoluenesulfonamide F N,N bis-( N-methyl-p-toluenesulfo namidothio )piperazine G N- methylN-( terbbutylaminot hio 1-p-toluenesulfonamide H Nmethy1-N-( dicyclohexylaminothio i-p-toluenesulfonamide toluenesulfonamide toluenesulfonarnide K N-methyl-N-( morpholinothio )-pchlorobenzenesulfon amide L N-met hyl-N-( morpholinothio )-methanesulfo namide M N-methy1-N-( N'-[3-cyanoethyl-tert-butylaminothio )-ptoluenesulfonamide N N-methy1-N-( 3-methylpiperidinothio )-ptoluenesulfonamide O N,N,N'-trimet.hyl-N'-(morpholinothio1-sulfamide P N ,N-dimethyl-N '-pto1y1-N morpholinothio )-sulfamide Q N-( morpholinothio )-propanesu1tam R N-pheny1-N-( morpholinothio J-henzenesulfonamide toluenesulfonamide) T N-methyl-N-( aminothio )-p-toluenesu1fonamide Table 111 Natural Rubber ins) ARh/ARl'tat- J, mas/m5.-

(pans) (parts) (parts) Sulfo- Exp. namide 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0

As indicated by the above data in Table 111, the sulfur donors increased the state of vulcanization in every instance. ln addition, all compounds acted as activators and/or retarders. Over half of the compounds not only increased the state of vulcanization and improved resistance to scorching, but also increased the rate of vulcanization.

Table lV-Continued (SBR) un- 1) ARh/ARh, (t -t tA5/tA5,. (p rts) (parts) (P Sulfo Exp namide 0.5 1.11 0.5 1 .0 0.5 1.0

32 E L 1.17 .71 .46 .87 .85 33 F L06 L10 .86 .82 1.42 1.52 34 G L08 1.15 .78 .71 .98 .95 35 H 1.05 1.09 .55 .50 1.07 1.11 36 l 1.00 1.04 1.00 .96 1.15 1.12 37 J 1.12 1.09 1.111 .94 38 K 1.09 1.17 .81 .76 L08 1.16 3) L 1.23 1.40 .78 .73 .81 .97 40 M 1.07 1.14 .97 .95 1.15 1.16 41 O 1.08 1.19 .73 .63 1.07 L25 42 P 1.06 1.12 .74 .61 1.07 1.17 43 Q 1.11 1.18 .70 .57 1.20 1.11 44 R 1.00 1.00 .87 .73 1.07 .89 45 S 1.08 1.12 .77 .62 1.11 1.23

The Mooney Scorch data for the control as abnormally lovi. Therefore the ratios have been omitted Sulfonnmidc J. however. did act as a rculrdcr as indicated by the Monsanto Rhuomcter 1 values. The control had a value of 12.6 while sulfonnmidc J had 4| value of I] at the 05 part level and 13.11 at the 1.0 part level.

As indicated by the above data in Table IV, only five of the compounds failed to act as retarders in SBR at both the 0.5 and 1.0 part level. Only two failed to act as activators. All of the compounds acted as sulfur donors to increase the state of vulcanization with two exceptions', 1 did not act as a sulfur donor at the 0.5 part level, and R did not act as a sulfur donor at the 1.00 part level. However, both acted as activators.

The sulfur donors can be used with any accelerator. N-methyl-N-( morpholinothio l-p-toluenesulfonamide was used at the 05 part level with 2-(morpholinothio)- benzothiazole (0.5 part) and sulfur in natural rubber. The sulfonamide not only increased the state of vulcanization but also acted as a retarder, while having little adverse affect on the vulcanization rate.

When used at the 1.0 part level in a butadiene/styrene elastomer with sulfur and 1.0 part of N- cyclohexyl-Z-benzothiazolesulfenamide. the same sulfonamide not only acted as a sulfur donor and a retarder, but acted as an activator as well.

N-methyl-N-( morpholinothio )-p-toluenesulfonamide was used in a carbon black loaded natural rubber system using 2-( morpholinodithio)-benzothiazole as a primary accelerator and free sulfur. In one instance 0.25 part of diphenylguanidine was used and in another instance, 020 part of tetramethylthiuram disulfide. In both instances the state of vulcanization and scorch delay time were increased although the rate of vulcanization was decreased.

N-methyl-N-( morpholinothio )-p-toluenesulfonamide was used in a carbon black loaded natural rubber system, in one instance with 2-(morpholinothio)- benzothiazole and in another instance with mercaptobenzothiazole, using 2.5 parts of free sulfur. The sulfonamide increased the state of vulcanization, the rate of vulcanization and the scorch delay time in both instances.

The above examples are not intended to be limiting but rather illustrative. Any of the sulfur donors, accelerators and rubbers described earlier herein can be substituted in the preceding examples. in addition, the levels of the sulfur donors and other components in said examples could be altered in accordance with the general teachings herein.

The additives of this invention can be used at various concentrations as low as 0.25 part per parts by weight of rubber and even as low as 0.10 or even 0.05 part. Conventional levels would frequently be 0.5 and 1.0 part, although levels as high as 1.5, 3.0, 5.0 and even 10 parts can be used. Most frequently the concentration ranges from 0.25 to 5.0 parts, more preferably from 0.25 to 3.0 parts and most preferably from 0.25 to 1.50 parts.

The sulfur donor compounds of the present invention are preferably added to the rubbery polymer at the same time that the accelerator is added, although this order of addition is not necessary to the successful utilization of the compounds of this invention.

The compounds of the present invention are effective in the presence of organic accelerators whether they are diarylguanidines such as diphenylguanidine, or thiazoles more specifically benzothiazyl amino disulfides, such as 2-(morpholinodithio)-benzothiazole, or thiazoles (also sulfenamides), more specifically thiazolesul fenamides, and even more specifically benzothiazolesulfenamides such as 2-(morpholinothio)- benzothiazole and N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, i.e., regardless of what type of organic accelerator is used. Thiuram sulfides such as tetramethylthiuram monosulfide and disulficle and tetraethylthiuram monosulfide and disulfide may also be used as well as other benzothiazolesulfenamides such as N-( t-butyl)-2- benzothiazolesulfenamide.

Various organic accelerators useful within the practice of this invention are described and illustrated in the Vanderbilt Rubber Handbook, 1968 Edition, R. T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc., particularly at pages 242 and 244 and also in the bulletin of the Elastomer Chemicals Dept. of the E. l. Du Pont de Nemours and Co. (inc.) entitled, Accelerators, Vulcanizing Agents and Retarders, Brochure No. SD AS4457.

The polymers in which the sulfonamides of the present invention are incorporated remain suitable for their art recognized uses, e.g., in tires and industrial products.

Compounds referred to earlier herein as being retarders and/or activators in natural rubber and SBR are merely illustrative and not limiting.

The balanced processing and vulcanization characteristics are most often obtained when free sulfur (elemental sulfur) and a primary accelerator are used with the sulfonamide.

Sometimes compounds are both a sulfur donor (and therefore a sulfur Vulcanizing agent) and an accelerator, e.g., 2-(morpholinodithio)-benzothiazole. Such compounds can be used with the sulfonamides, with or without another sulfur Vulcanizing agent and/or another accelerator.

The compounds of the present invention can be used effectively in any sulfur vulcanizable polymer and with any organic accelerating agent.

While certain representative embodiments and de' tails have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer having incorporated therein a sulfonamide having the following structural formula wherein A is an N,N disubstituted radical selected from the group consisting of a. an N,N disubstituted radical which is a derivative of a heterocyclic diamine and wherein R and R can be joined through a CH,- group to constitute with the SO N group a heterocyclic ring radical, wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having I to carbon atoms, cycloalkyl radicals having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, aralkyl radicals having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and aryl radicals having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and wherein R and R can be joined through a member of the group consisting of -CH O, and -S to constitute with the attached nitrogen atom a heterocyclic ring, and wherein X is selected from the group consisting of alkylene radicals having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and cycloalkylene radicals having 5 to 10 carbon atoms,

2. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the polymer has incorporated therein an organic accelerating agent.

3. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the polymer has incorporated therein a sulfur vulcanizing agent.

4. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 2 wherein the organic accelerating agent is a primary accelerator and the polymer has incorporated therein elemental sulfur.

5. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim I wherein the sulfonamide is present in the amount of from 0.25 part to 5.0 parts by weight per I00 parts by weight of polymer.

6. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, n-butyl, n-propyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, p-chlorophenyl, dimethylamino, morpholino, piperidino, p-methoxyphenyl, p-nitrophenyl and cyclohexyl, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, t-butyl, nbutyl, n propyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, p-chlorophenyl, cyclohexyl, pmethoxyphenyl and p-nitrophenyl.

7. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonamide is N N-bis-(N- methyl-p-toluenesulfonamidothio)-piperazine. 

1. A SULFUR VULCANIZABLE DIENE POLYMER HAVING INCROPORATED THEREI A SULFONAMIDE HAVING THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURAL FORMULA
 2. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the polymer has incorporated therein an organic accelerating agent.
 3. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the polymer has incorporated therein a sulfur vulcanizing agent.
 4. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 2 wherein the organic accelerating agent is a primary accelerator and the polymer has incorporated therein elemental sulfur.
 5. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonamide is present in the amount of from 0.25 part to 5.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer.
 6. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, n-butyl, n-propyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, p-chlorophenyl, dimethylamino, morpholino, piperidino, p-methoxyphenyl, p-nitrophenyl and cyclohexyl, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, t-butyl, n-butyl, n-propyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, p-chlorophenyl, cyclohexyl, p-methoxyphenyl and p-nitrophenyl.
 7. The sulfur vulcanizable diene polymer according to claim 1 wherein the sulfonamide is N,N''-bis-(N-methyl-p-toluenesulfonamidothio)-piperazine. 